“I’m Not Done Yet”: Dalai Lama Hopes to Live to 130, Reaffirms Reincarnation Plans Amid Global Spotlight

As he approaches his 90th birthday on July 6, the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, has made a stirring declaration: he hopes to live another 40 years, potentially reaching the age of 130. In a pre-recorded message at the 15th Tibetan Religious Conference in Dharamshala, the Nobel Peace laureate also reaffirmed the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution, ending years of speculation that he might be the last.

 

He emphasized that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, his India-based office, holds exclusive authority to identify his successor—not China, which insists on controlling the reincarnation process. The Dalai Lama stated that his next incarnation will be found outside Chinese territory, in line with Tibetan Buddhist traditions.

 

The announcement has reignited geopolitical tensions, with China reiterating its claim to approve any reincarnation. Meanwhile, India and the U.S. have backed the Dalai Lama’s autonomy in the matter. Observers warn of a future with two rival Dalai Lamas, one chosen by Tibetan monks and another by Beijing.

 

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Source: CNN